News Category: Restaurants

Chicago’s Restaurant Resilience: Grubhub Honors 31 Pandemic-Born Businesses That Beat the Odds

Despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago entrepreneurs across the city took a leap of faith, opening their restaurant doors during the 2020 lockdown. Today, Grubhub is proud to recognize 31 resilient business owners through the Established 2020 program, honoring those who reached their five-year milestone in 2025.

Take, for instance, Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea in Beverly. Husband and wife duo, Kendall and Aisha Griffin opened their doors amidst unprecedented challenges but quickly became a neighborhood hub, not just for coffee but for community. Or consider CheSa’s Bistro & Bar in Avondale, owner Chesaree Rollins brought authentic Creole flavors – all gluten-free – to the city during a time when comfort food was needed more than ever. These are only a couple of the stories that highlight the spirit of Chicago’s restaurant scene, and it’s these stories that Grubhub wants to celebrate through Established 2020.

The initiative recognizes 31 small business restaurants from 25 different neighborhoods across Chicago. Each of these independent restaurants launched during a period of immense uncertainty but demonstrated remarkable strength and determination. The honorees reflect Chicago’s rich cultural diversity, with many being women-, minority-, and family-owned businesses. They contribute to the city’s vibrant food scene with cuisines ranging from Thai and Indian to Latin American and modern American.

“Our Established 2020 honorees capture what makes Chicago’s restaurant scene so special — hardworking, community-focused, and full of heart,” said Lisa Belot, Director of Corporate Affairs at Grubhub. “This program is our way of saying thank you to the entrepreneurs who took a big risk during the pandemic and created something meaningful. We’re proud to support them and celebrate how they’re helping shape the city’s food culture. Their stories show that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times — it’s about building something even stronger.”

As part of the award, Grubhub provided over $80,000 in critical funding to support the continued growth of these restaurants. Award recipients plan to reinvest in their operations by hiring more staff, upgrading kitchen equipment, refreshing dining spaces, and expanding marketing efforts.

From Bronzeville’s Dirty Tiff’s Cafe to Uptown’s Thai Pastry Restaurant, the Established 2020 honorees have become cultural and community pillars. The full list of Established 2020 Award restaurant recipients includes:

To honor their perseverance and celebrate their impact, Grubhub will host a private celebration for our Established 2020 honorees on Tuesday, June 3rd, in Chicago. The event will bring together honorees to share their unique stories and celebrate the promising futures they are creating.

These are the businesses that didn’t just survive. They thrived, becoming essential parts of their neighborhoods and the very fabric of Chicago’s vibrant food culture.

Grubhub’s Expanding Impact Partnerships Champion Local Restaurant Businesses and Their Teams

Grubhub’s commitment to independent restaurants extends far beyond facilitating deliveries. We view these businesses as the very foundation of our success. And, we recognize the significant role the U.S. restaurant industry plays as the nation’s second-largest private employer, providing livelihoods for over 12 million people. Beneath the vibrant culinary landscape, however, lie very real challenges. Thin margins pressure restaurant operators and frontline workers face limited pathways for economic advancement, with just four percent advancing to entry-level corporate jobs and receiving the accompanying wage and experiencing growth.

This understanding fuels our year-round impact focus on supporting independent restaurants. During Small Business Month, our efforts intensified as we engaged in a series of strategic initiatives designed to bolster the thousands of independent restaurants that power our platform while simultaneously cultivating greater opportunity within the broader hospitality sector.

Grubhub is a proud founding supporter of MORE, a first-of-its-kind coalition focused on building a thriving, equitable, and enduring restaurant industry. By uniting around this common goal with other organizations, including The James Beard Foundation, Regarding Her Food, and Women In Hospitality United, we are accelerating collective impact, driving innovative solutions, and advancing economic mobility across the restaurant industry. MORE’s vision is to replicate and scale successful regional programs focused on culinary training, upskilling and career development programs, and initiatives removing barriers to entry for marginalized communities.

“Grubhub’s early support of our mission, continued partnership, and commitment to impact has been transformational for our work,” said Elizabeth Murray, Co-founder, MORE. “Together we’ve built a collaborative network across a diverse group of organizations, unlocking new opportunities for shared learning, creative partnerships, and expanded programming. Moving forward, MORE will continue to leverage our combined resources to deliver solutions that meet multiple, intersecting needs and drive enormous social and economic impact for all our stakeholders – workers, operators, employers, and the communities they serve.” 

Since 2022, the Grubhub Community Fund has worked closely with Women in Hospitality United and other founding partners on the development and launch of the MORE Coalition since 2022. Today, the Grubhub Community Fund continues to support MORE’s coalition launch and public awareness efforts. 

Our commitment to empowering restaurant entrepreneurs extends to our partnership with Feed the Soul. With grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund, we’ve helped enable the launch of the Culinary Business Network (CBN), a new digital platform designed to provide on-demand, educational resources to food entrepreneurs across the country, with grant support from the Grubhub Community Fund. For less than $1 a day, restaurants and caterers will have access to business development resources, including how to grow your customer base, streamline operations, grow your revenue, stay ahead of industry trends, and more. The CBN is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, providing the resources they need to scale their businesses effectively.

“For the past five years, the Grubhub Community Fund has been more than a supporter of Feed the Soul Foundation; they have been a true partner,” said Juana Collins, Executive Director, Feed the Soul Foundation. “We are excited to collaborate with Grubhub on our new Culinary Business Network digital platform, a space designed to help businesses connect, share ideas, and access valuable resources to grow and succeed. This partnership is about more than funding; it’s about building a stronger future for the culinary industry.”

Partnering with Feed the Soul for the last five years, the Grubhub Community Fund has distributed more than $1.2 million to local restaurants across the country, and our more recent support of the development of the Culinary Business Network will allow us to continue to help small business restaurants in their growth journey. 

Through our partnership with The Hatchery Chicago, the Grubhub Community Fund has helped power its Incubation Cohort. This six-month program is meant to help early-stage entrepreneurs developing a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brand – including snacks, beverages, baked goods, catering company, meal delivery, or food truck – launch their business. The latest cohort engaged in monthly sessions covering essential food and beverage business strategies complemented by hands-on exercises with helpful templates and resources to deepen their learning. The program wrapped with a pitch and sampling event for guests at The Hatchery, where participants celebrated their program graduation and journey of turning their business concepts into reality. 

Since 2023, the Grubhub Community Fund’s support has enabled scholarships to Chicago’s West Side residents participating in The Hatchery’s programs. Additionally, we support The Hatchery’s efforts to develop and provide educational resources for restaurateurs, and help entrepreneurs solidify their business plans and complete all required licensing to launch and scale their restaurants. 

Beyond these strategic impact partnerships, we remain committed to supporting local restaurants through our day-to-day operations. In NYC, we recently brought back the $1 Cheese Slice as a part of our Seamless brand relaunch, helping drive awareness, recognition, and foot traffic to more than 40 local pizzerias across the city’s five boroughs participating in the pick-up only campaign. In Chicago, we launched Established 2020, a new award program to honor the local restaurants that opened their doors in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and defied the odds to remain open today. 

Through our operational initiatives and strategic impact partnerships, Grubhub will continue showing up for our independent restaurant partners. We believe in the power of a vibrant hospitality industry and will continue to support its growth and prosperity for years to come.

Grubhub and National ACE Host Chicago Restaurant Owners and Community Leaders to Drive Innovation and Economic Empowerment

The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), in collaboration with Grubhub, convened over 60 small business owners, policymakers, and community leaders for a Small Business Roundtable in Chicago on April 10, 2025. The event served as a critical platform to elevate the voices of entrepreneurs and discuss strategies to overcome challenges and accelerate growth. The event also spotlighted several Grubhub Restaurant Fund awardees and celebrated the spirit of innovation and resilience of small business owners.

“Recent estimates show that AAPIs comprise approximately 6.5% of the Chicago metropolitan area’s population—the fastest-growing among all racial and ethnic groups. AAPI entrepreneurs, professionals, and advocates are driving innovation and business success across diverse industries,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE. “By convening these conversations, we can help shape federal policies that better support AAPI businesses in Chicago and beyond.”

Chiling Tong also expressed appreciation for Grubhub’s continued partnership. Since 2021, National ACE has worked with Grubhub, which has given over $6.5 million in grants to 520 restaurant owners. The applications are from all 50 states, and these funds have been crucial in supporting independently-owned restaurants. The 2024 restaurant fund alone has created 140 new jobs and retained over 628 jobs.

“Grubhub is proud to mark five years of partnership with National ACE, supporting small businesses—the backbone of our local communities,” said Dave Tovar, SVP of Communications and Government Relations. “Through our collaboration on initiatives like the AAPIStrong Restaurant Grant program and advocacy for small business-friendly policies, we aim to create thriving environments for independent restaurants. Our success depends on them, and we remain committed to empowering local businesses to grow and thrive for years to come.”

This event provided hope for many entrepreneurs who have felt alone in their journeys. “It’s important to have community; if we’re able to lean on each other, we can go through anything. We can lift each other up. You can solve problems a lot faster when you talk and bounce ideas off each other,” said Melvin Reyes, owner of Mano Modern Cafe.

“In the age of uncertainty, this meeting gives us the chance to see the light at the end of the tunnel by understanding the resources around us. It gives us a fighting chance at survival,” said Kevin Yu, owner of 2d restaurant.

Key topics raised by small business owners included rising costs, access to capital, supply chain uncertainties, talent retention, and the need for culturally responsive resources. Solutions emphasized during the event included connecting small business owners with business bankers, reducing gatekeeping to capital access, and increasing mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs. Participants were encouraged to create banking relationships before they needed cash. “Know your banker before you need the money,” said Johnny Wilbon of Bank of America. A recurring theme was the value of peer learning and storytelling to help others navigate similar struggles. Many entrepreneurs also highlighted the importance of building trust with customers, leveraging social media, and accessing legal and financial education early in their journey.

Notable participants included Alderman Nicole Lee, Ward 11, City of Chicago; Will Shih, Director of Economic Development, Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth; Jake Kaplan, Deputy Chief of Staff & District Director, Office of Representative Brad Schneider; and Cherita Logan, District Director, Office of Representative Danny K. Davis.

During the event, Grubhub announced the new Established 2020 Award designed to support long-term success for the class of Chicago restaurants that opened during the COVID-19 shutdown. All small business restaurant owners in Chicago who opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and are still open today are eligible to receive a monetary award to invest back into their small business. Applications for the award program are currently open through Friday, April 18, 2025, and will be awarded at an in-person event in June 2025.

This roundtable is part of National ACE’s ongoing commitment to support minority entrepreneurs and facilitate productive conversations around the unique challenges they face. National ACE continues to provide tailored resources and programs aimed at helping small business owners access funding and grow their operations.

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About National ACE

National ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI and all small business interests and positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. National ACE strives to do this by supporting and promoting issues that impact the small business community, improving the economic development and impact of the AAPI community, advancing coalitions, enhancing community building, and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives. National ACE provides a unified voice for the business interests of AAPIs and all small businesses nationally. Learn more at www.nationalace.org.

Grubhub Champions Hometown Restaurants’ 5-Year Triumph Over Pandemic Adversity

New “Established 2020” Award Will Support Long-Term Success for Class of Chicago Restaurants that Opened During COVID-19 Shutdown

Opening a restaurant under normal circumstances is notoriously difficult, but those who did so in 2020 faced unprecedented challenges as they navigated closed dining rooms, ever-changing health protocols, and more. To honor restaurateurs who defied the odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grubhub is launching Established 2020, a new award program for small-business Chicago restaurants celebrating five years of success in 2025.

Eighty percent* of new restaurants close within five years, and in 2020, closures spiked 95 percent** above the annual average. Many restaurants that opened in 2020 were ineligible for state and federal pandemic relief funds, as it often required proof of business impact from previous years.

Despite the odds, a select group of restaurateurs persevered, bringing their culinary visions to life. Their resilience not only shaped their success but also made a lasting impact on Chicago’s food scene. Established 2020 is here to celebrate these small businesses and continue supporting the amazing restaurants that define the city’s diverse culinary culture. 

Starting today, Grubhub is accepting applications for its Established 2020 Award to recognize its hometown restaurants’ commitment to serving delicious food to their local community. All small business restaurant owners in Chicago who opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and are still open today are eligible to receive a monetary award to invest back into their small business. Applications for the award program are currently open through Friday, April 18, 2025 and will be awarded at an in-person event in June 2025.

Learn more and apply here.*** 

“Chicago’s restaurant owners are some of the toughest, most persistent people out there, and the ones who opened in 2020 have grit and tenacity like no other,” said Isabel Perman, Director, Client Success at Grubhub. “They didn’t just survive—they built something lasting. We’re so pleased to have been a part of their incredible journey over the past five years and look forward to continuing to grow these partnerships for years to come.” 

Grubhub played a crucial role for restaurants in 2020 by helping many owners rethink their businesses overnight as they quickly transitioned from having a purely dine-in model to leveraging online ordering and delivery systems. Grubhub also reduced certain diner fees, boosted marketing, and provided delivery solutions to help restaurants serve their communities. Delivery orders in Chicago surged 98 percent from 2019 to 2020, and Grubhub was there to help ensure restaurants had the support they needed to keep their doors open to serve their communities. 

At the onset of the pandemic, Grubhub also established the Grubhub Community Fund (GCF) to support communities and restaurants impacted by the pandemic. Since 2020, the GCF has given more than $35 million directly to small-business restaurants across the country. 

Restaurants like Logan Square’s KFire and Greater Grand Crossing’s Doughboy’s Chicago overcame the challenges of opening during the COVID-19 shutdown and embody the resilience this award celebrates. Both have already been recognized with Grubhub’s Established 2020 Award for their perseverance and lasting contributions to Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

“The pandemic threw every obstacle our way but giving up was never an option. We poured everything into making our dream a reality, even when the odds were stacked against us,” said Ben Kim, Co-owner at KFire. “Grubhub gave us the tools to keep serving our food and growing our business at a time when every order mattered. Without their help, KFire probably wouldn’t exist today.” 

“Community has always been a core value of Doughboy’s Chicago. When the pandemic hit, we weren’t just adapting every day to keep our business going—we were finding ways to feed the people who relied on us. Launching during such a difficult time forced us to get creative, and Grubhub helped us stay connected with our neighbors.” said Nicole Fryison, Co-owner at Doughboy’s Chicago. “Fast-forward five years, we’re still here, still grinding, and still rooted in the community that was with us from day one.” 

Chicago’s restaurant scene is stronger because of the grit, determination, and creativity of the chefs, owners, and staff that bring the industry to life. Through the Established 2020 Award, Grubhub is proud to recognize small business restaurants celebrating their five-year milestone. This moment will continue strengthening existing relationships and build new partnerships with hometown restaurants to support their long-term success.

About Grubhub  

Grubhub is a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. 

References

* “The No. 1 thing to consider before opening a restaurant.” CNBC Make It, March 15, 2016 https://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/20/heres-the-real-reason-why-most-restaurants-fail.html.

** “Here’s How Many Restaurants Closed During the Pandemic.” The Washington Post, June, 21 2022 https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/06/21/covid-restaurant-closures/.

***Must be 18+ and legal U.S. resident to enter. Participation in the Established 2020 Award program is subject to an entrant’s compliance with all contest rules and terms, subject to Grubhub’s verification. Grubhub partnership is not required to participate or win. See official rules here.

Introducing Grubhub’s 2025 Restaurant Leadership Council

Grubhub’s business is grounded in the idea that the technology we offer to restaurant partners helps them expand their own businesses. Along with providing tools to help restaurants succeed, we are equally committed to creating a space for peer connection, allowing restaurant owners to share experiences, insights, and feedback. This is where Grubhub’s Restaurant Leadership Council was born – and we are thrilled to welcome our 2025 cohort of restaurant leaders. 

In its fourth year, the Restaurant Leadership Council is a group of restaurant owners and operators who regularly meet with Grubhub to help us whip up new ideas on how to best serve our restaurants. We work with the council to better understand and serve the industry, listening and learning from professionals who eat, sleep, and breathe restaurant management. 

For the year ahead, we identified a group of nine small business owners – all Grubhub partners – who will join the 2025 council. These individuals own restaurants all across the country, including Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and more. To date, 50 restaurant owners have participated in the council. Throughout the council’s year-long term, we host several interactive sessions to give restaurant owners a chance to strengthen their peer relationships, provide industry insights, and share detailed product feedback to help us improve our product offering and platform for restaurant partners. 

“In the past four years, Grubhub’s Restaurant Leadership Council has become a critical channel for connecting with, offering support to, and receiving feedback from restaurant owners across the country,” said Victoria Anglin, Senior Manager, Merchant Engagement & Operations. “The restaurants on our platform have hands-on experience with using our product and technology day-in and day-out to help serve their customers and coordinate with delivery partners, so we take their feedback seriously. It’s exciting to take the first-hand feedback from our Restaurant Leadership Council meetings, and implement changes to make our platform more valuable for our restaurant partners.” 

Meet Grubhub’s 2025 Restaurant Leadership Council:

Bryan Tublin – Kitava in San Francisco, California

“Small-to-medium sized businesses are the heartbeat of American communities, and the hospitality industry is a critical contributor. My goal for joining this council is to advocate for and contribute to the health of the restaurant industry because I believe if our restaurants are strong, healthy, and vibrant, our communities will be as well!” 

Davin Wages – Malai Kitchen in Dallas, Texas

“I’m excited to share my experiences with the Grubhub platform, help with any new developments and improvements, and also network with others in the industry.

Jay Shin – Fibber’s Sports Bar & Grille in Philadelphia, PA

“I joined the council to see the direction of Grubhub and if there is anything I can do to help bring in more sales.”

Paolo Fontana – Sub-Ology in Cranford, New Jersey

“I joined Grubhub’s 2025 Restaurant Leadership Council because I’m passionate about shaping the future of the restaurant industry and supporting small business owners like myself. This council offers an incredible opportunity to meet new people from diverse businesses, exchange resources, and regularly share ideas. I look forward to collaborating, helping each other grow, and mentoring one another to achieve our goals. Together, we can address challenges, contribute innovative solutions, and drive success for restaurants across the board.”

Sergio Catinkagan – Antalia NYC in New York, New York

“I joined the Grubhub Council to contribute valuable insights that can help make Grubhub a more restaurant-owner-friendly platform. By sharing my own experiences, I hope to provide useful perspectives while also learning from the experiences of other restaurant owners.”

Taylor Mason – Taylor’s Tacos in Chicago, Illinois

“I joined the council so that I can be a liaison between the Grubhub communiTAY and the people. It is my duty to use my everyday experience and expertise to make both worlds better. Grubhub is a team of some epic individuals, and I am honored to be included.”

Tony Mekonen – Italian Kitchen in Washington, D.C.

“I joined the Restaurant Leadership Council to gain deeper insight into new product features and to provide feedback based on our experience with multiple third-party aggregator platforms. As a restaurant owner, I value opportunities to share my experiences and collaborate with like-minded business leaders from across the country. I’m excited to connect with my peers, exchange best practices, and stay ahead of industry trends that can help us grow and improve our business. Additionally, I look forward to using this platform to voice any questions or concerns regarding our experience on Grubhub, ensuring that both our customers and team continue to benefit from the platform’s innovations.”

Vinny Gallagher – Pizzata Pizzeria in Philadelphia, PA

“At Pizzata, we have a saying that goes: ‘I know something you don’t know, and you know something I don’t know. We can always learn from one another if we take the time to stop and listen.”

Wesley Li – Bowls of Rice in Chicago, Illinois

“I am excited to share my knowledge and insights with Grubhub and my peers, while also learning and growing together. Operating a ghost kitchen allows us to innovate quickly, and I’m excited to enhance our partnership by collaborating on fresh ideas that deliver even better experiences to our customers.” 

Grubhub Expands Delivery Services with Olo Dispatch to Support Merchants Across Direct Ordering Channels

More merchants can now leverage Grubhub’s delivery network on a per order basis

CHICAGO and NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2025 — Grubhub, a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace, and Olo (NYSE:OLO), a leading restaurant technology provider, have expanded their partnership to integrate Grubhub with Olo Dispatch. With Dispatch, restaurants can outsource delivery for orders generated through their own website and apps leveraging a network of third-party delivery service providers, now including Grubhub. This integration builds on Grubhub and Olo’s existing relationship where Grubhub orders are directly sent to restaurants’ point-of-sale system via Olo Rails.

Olo Dispatch seamlessly selects service providers, including in-house couriers, based on optimal price, timing, availability, and other criteria. Olo’s automated matching technology enables restaurants to get orders out the door and into the hands of customers faster and in the most cost-efficient way. With Dispatch, brands can quickly deploy delivery at a national scale with integration into their POS and kitchen production systems. This allows brands to strengthen direct relationships with their customers while offering a convenient and branded delivery experience through their own channels.

“As demand for digital ordering and delivery grows across third-party and owned channels, we’re proud to expand how we support our merchant partners and create more earning opportunities for Grubhub’s delivery partners,” said Kyle Emmett, senior director of retail media and merchant solutions at Grubhub. “With our nationwide delivery network, we help merchants manage their delivery operations, reduce costs, and better meet customer demands.”

“At Olo, we always strive to do what’s best for our customers, and adding a great partner like Grubhub to our Dispatch network is a perfect example,” said Kacie Gonzalez, vice president of product partnerships at Olo. “Giving restaurant brands more delivery service provider options gives them more flexibility, reliability, and competitive pricing, while allowing them to grow their direct ordering channels and own their guest relationships.”

This integration with Olo Dispatch joins Grubhub’s On-Demand Delivery and Supplemental Delivery services that help restaurants easily scale up their delivery operations when it’s needed most. For more information on Grubhub’s delivery services, visit here.

About Grubhub
Grubhub is a leading U.S. ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with their favorite local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Grubhub elevates online ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Part of Wonder Group, Grubhub features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

About Olo | Hospitality at Scale™
Olo (NYSE: OLO) is a leading restaurant technology provider with ordering, payment, and guest engagement solutions that help brands increase orders, streamline operations, and improve the guest experience. Each day, Olo processes millions of orders on its open SaaS platform, gathering the right data from each touchpoint into a single source—so restaurants can better understand and better serve every guest on every channel, every time. Over 700 restaurant brands trust Olo and its network of more than 400 integration partners to innovate on behalf of the restaurant community, accelerating technology’s positive impact and creating a world where every restaurant guest feels like a regular. Learn more at olo.com.

Grubhub Grows its Marketing Platform with New Advertising Placements for Merchants and Brands

Since our earliest days in 2004, Grubhub’s mission has been to help connect consumers to nearby merchants, while giving these merchants a platform to grow their businesses. We’ve done this through our Grubhub Marketplace, which is a marketing platform at its core that gives our more than 375,000 merchant partners access to tens of millions of consumers across the country looking for takeout. We provide our merchant partners with a variety of marketing packages to choose from depending on their business goals, and they only pay when they generate orders on our Marketplace. Today, we’re expanding how merchants and brands can use Grubhub as an advertising channel.

Grubhub Pre-Checkout Ads for Merchants
We frequently hear that our merchant partners are looking for more control and flexibility over how their business shows up on the Grubhub Marketplace. They want to reach more people at the earliest point in the decision-making process and add incremental value throughout the customer experience. With Grubhub Ads, they can now run and manage listings on the homepage, search results list and cuisine category page to reach more customers throughout the ordering process.

Differing from our existing sponsored listings that Grubhub manages for merchants as an add-on to our Premium marketing package, these new ad placements give all partners, regardless of their marketing package, control over the frequency, location and targeting of their ads.

Powered by Koddi, Grubhub Ads are managed within the merchant’s portal in Grubhub for Restaurants. Merchants can choose their audience, the dates and times the ad will run, the duration of the ads and their monthly budget. Once the ad is live, they can edit, pause or end the campaign at any time and they only pay when customers click on their listing.

“We’re a newer restaurant in our area, and with all of the competing restaurants around us, it’s important that we are able to advertise our restaurant so that we attract customers and gain visibility on the Grubhub Marketplace. Since running ads on Grubhub, our sales are up 30 to 40 percent, and that’s just in the summer alone. As we get into fall and winter when people tend to order out more, I know we will see even greater results.” — Cindy Lech, co-owner of Lenoxthai, a Thai restaurant on the Upper East Side in NYC

“I’m a big believer of advertising, especially in a city like New York where there’s no shortage of restaurants and you have people coming and going at all times. In order for people to notice your restaurant, you better be in one of the top 10 placements. Since running ads on Grubhub, I’ve seen a 15 to 20 percent increase in orders, and it’s a huge plus to know if a customer is new or returning. Having a 4 or 4.5 star rating on Grubhub and the ability to run ads keeps you on top. I don’t think it gets any better than that.” — Edon Vokshi, owner of Pizzeria L’ Antica in NYC

Post-Checkout Ads for Brands
Tens of millions of customers use Grubhub regularly, and they eagerly pay attention to our delivery confirmation and tracking page as they wait for their order to arrive. Now in partnership with Rokt, we’re offering consumer brands access to market to this captive audience of customers on Grubhub’s order tracking page. Through Rokt’s AI technology, brands can showcase relevant and non-intrusive offers to Grubhub’s customers at a time when they are highly engaged (post-checkout) with offers that range from cash back and rewards to fitness memberships, video, music and audio subscriptions, and more.

“As a marketplace with tens of millions of customers, we’re excited to give merchants and brands more opportunities to grow their business through Grubhub,” said Kyle Emmett, senior director of retail media and merchant solutions at Grubhub. “These new advertising tools are a natural extension of our long-standing efforts to make Grubhub an effective marketing channel for our merchant partners to acquire more consumers and a further step to reach our full potential as an advertising channel.”

These new tools for merchants and brands complement Grubhub’s existing suite of marketing capabilities for merchant partners. By selecting from our range of marketing packages, merchants unlock access to promotions, loyalty and promoted placements and receive actionable information about their business through Order Frequency Insights. These tools allow merchants to better target customers to strategically grow their sales while giving them visibility into what’s performing well across different customer segments.

For more information on how to get started with ads, please visit here.

Grubhub’s Commitment to Transparency

Twenty years ago, Grubhub set out to revolutionize the way people connect with their favorite local restaurants. Born from the frustration of sifting through countless paper takeout menus, our founders had a clear vision: to create a seamless online platform where customers could easily explore and order from a variety of local dining options. What started as a simple solution to a common problem has evolved into a platform that millions of people use every day. 

As we celebrate two decades of innovation, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to a great user experience. We believe that clear, straightforward communication is key to that, whether it’s ensuring our customers see all applicable fees upfront, empowering merchants to manage their own menus, or providing delivery partners with transparent delivery opportunities and earnings information. 

Let’s take a closer look at how Grubhub’s dedication to transparency benefits everyone involved in the food delivery process—from consumers to drivers to merchant partners.

What do customers see when ordering on Grubhub?

Making the ordering process simple and straightforward has always been a priority. To achieve this, we ensure that key information is clearly communicated to customers every step of the way. When customers search for what they’re craving and scroll through the search results, they’ll see essential information clearly laid out, including each merchant’s distance from their location and estimated delivery time. 

Delivery Fees

When the merchant uses Grubhub delivery partners to deliver, the delivery fee goes toward Grubhub’s delivery-related costs, including compensating the driver fairly. If the merchant uses their own delivery drivers, then the delivery fee goes to the merchant. Delivery fees are typically a fixed dollar amount and change based on a customer’s distance from the merchant.

Service Fees

Customers will also see a service fee at checkout, which helps cover Grubhub’s operating costs. Operating costs include everything associated with running a complex, three-sided marketplace, like making sure our customer-, driver-, and merchant-facing apps are running efficiently and having dedicated staff available 24/7 to support our customers, drivers, and merchant partners. 

Creating a group order with friends? Craving extra, EXTRA cheese today? Want fries with that? Building the perfect order is part of the fun of ordering with Grubhub.  Our service fee is calculated as a percentage of the total value of items in a customer’s basket, which is why it’s disclosed during the checkout process, once a customer has finished adding their items. 

Checkout screen

Service fee explanation prompt

Other fees

In some cases, customers may see a Small Order Fee if the total value of the order is low. This fee helps make delivery more sustainable for all involved, including our delivery and merchant partners. The fee goes away once a minimum order value is reached. 

In some jurisdictions, like California, there may be additional fees to account for things like driver benefits. These are always clearly disclosed during the checkout process.

Tipping

Finally, customers have the option to tip their delivery partner at checkout. Delivery partners always keep 100% of their tips for completed deliveries, and we strongly encourage tipping to reward good service!

What information is visible to Grubhub delivery partners?

When a delivery partner receives a delivery offer, they see the merchant’s name, address, the number of orders that are in the offer, estimated miles, and total pay. In some jurisdictions, where the law mandates, more details may be available to our delivery partners. Based on this information, delivery partners can decide to accept or reject an offer. 

Earnings from completed deliveries are reflected in real time in the Earnings tab of the Grubhub for Drivers app. Delivery partners will be able to see a list of all completed orders including the merchant’s name, earnings from the order, and a breakdown of their pay including base, tips, and any bonuses received.

delivery offer screen
Driver earnings tab

 

Our delivery partners are typically paid once a week. This payment encompasses the amount they earned during the previous week. They also have access to our “Instant Cashout” feature, which allows them to deposit up to $500 a day, almost instantly, for a small fee. As always, our delivery partners can learn more about ways to earn on the Grubhub for Drivers webpage.

What do Grubhub merchant partners see?

When it comes to our merchant partners like restaurants and retailers, Grubhub discloses the marketing fee, delivery fee, promotions, baseline costs of the food order, taxes, and other transaction costs in their statements. The fees charged by Grubhub and our offerings are clearly disclosed on our website. Merchants can choose the package that works for them, with each offering a slew of benefits to our partners, and with rates starting as low as 5%. They’re also welcome to change their package at any time.

Packages and commissions

At Grubhub, we are committed to transparency. For the past twenty years, we’ve stayed true to our roots, striving for clarity and simplicity for our customers, delivery partners, and merchant partners. By offering straightforward pricing, clear information, and no surprises at checkout, we ensure that everyone involved in the delivery experience knows exactly what to expect. As we continue to grow and innovate, our commitment remains the same: to make every interaction with Grubhub as transparent, reliable, and rewarding as possible. Here’s to many more years of serving our communities with honesty and care.

Grubhub’s Food Feastival to Celebrate Hometown Restaurants at Chicago’s Daley Plaza

As a part of Grubhub’s 20th anniversary, the company is hosting a FREE food festival to show appreciation for small business restaurant partners

This year Grubhub turns 20, and we are celebrating with thank yous to our merchants, delivery partners, diners, and employees for all they do to make our business possible. To show appreciation for our hometown restaurant partners, we will host a food festival or “feastival” in Chicago to celebrate the small business restaurants that make up our iconic food scene – while also treating customers to a free lunch experience.

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 11:30am – 1:30pm CT, the Grubhub Food Feastival will showcase several small business restaurants, including some of our longest-tenured partners. All hungry Chicagoans are invited to this free lunchtime event at Daley Plaza to connect with some of Grubhub’s restaurants serving their favorite local eats. 

The Grubhub Food Feastival will spotlight more than 20 local restaurants (full list below) from across the city and each will offer small bites of their most popular dishes including everything from empanadas and shrimp & grits to the Windy City’s most iconic foods – Chicago dogs and deep dish pizza.

The Grubhub Food Feastival aims to celebrate our small business restaurant partners, and it offers an opportunity to support our neighbors and communities in a way Grubhub is uniquely positioned to do.

As part of our commitment to help close the hunger gap, we are partnering with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, to safely rescue any food not consumed at the event and redistribute it to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. As a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine is a longstanding Grubhub Community Fund partner that will transport any leftover bites from the food fest to local nonprofit organizations. 

More event details are here and the full list of restaurant partners include: 

  • 5411 Empanadas
  • Bon Bon Sandwiches
  • Byron’s Hot Dogs
  • The Clark Street Dog
  • Connie’s Pizza 
  • Elevated Subs
  • El Mariachi 
  • The Fat Shallot
  • Firenze Italian Street Food
  • The Jibarito Stop
  • KFire Korean BBQ
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • Luella’s Southern Kitchen
  • Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen
  • Manzo’s Burger
  • Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta Express
  • Portillo’s
  • Star of Siam
  • Red Hot Ranch
  • Taylor’s Tacos 
  • The Vulgar Vegan
  • Wow Bao

Three Restauranteurs Awarded $25,000 Grants from the Grubhub Community Fund at the AAPISTRONG Annual Conference

September 4, Santa Clara, CA – The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) and Grubhub, a leading third-party delivery  marketplace, announced three recipients of $25,000 grants given by the AAPISTRONG/Grubhub Community Impact Grant Program.

Native Fields, Nom Wah Nolita, and Pho Loan, serving communities in Walnut, CA, New York, NY, and Chicago, IL respectively, were granted $25,000 each at the AAPISTRONG Annual Conference in Santa Clara on September 15, 2024. These small business owners are among the recipients of the $9 million in grants generated by National ACE in the last four years, funding made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund

This particular grant initiative underscores the importance of supporting AAPI-owned restaurants, which play a vital role in enriching our culinary landscape and fostering community connections. As the industry faces ongoing economic challenges, this funding empowers AAPI restaurateurs to elevate their businesses through initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, e-commerce advancements, employee benefits, and streamlined operations. This support not only helps AAPI entrepreneurs secure their futures but also fosters vibrant community spaces.

“Our AAPI-owned restaurants have shown incredible resilience and creativity in overcoming challenges,” said Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE. “Grubhub’s support through this grant is essential. It empowers restaurant owners to grow and succeed, while also preserving the cultural and economic vitality of our communities.”

“We continue to be proud of our outstanding partnership with National ACE and the ACE Foundation,” said Dave Tovar, SVP of Communications and Government Relations at Grubhub. “Over the last four years, the AAPIStrong Restaurant Fund, which is made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, has provided more than 520 restaurant grants across the country. This funding, as well as our other restaurant-focused programs, provide the critical support family-owned businesses need to sustain, grow, and thrive for years to come.”

A comprehensive list of the 170 grant winners include outstanding establishments from across the nation:

  • 2D Restaurant – Chicago, Illinois

  • 7 Elephants – New York, New York

  • A Taste of the Philippines – Chicago, Illinois

  • Adobo – Decatur, Georgia

  • Amber Agave – Brooklyn, New York

  • Anna’s Vegan Cafe – Sacramento, California

  • Aroy Thai – Chicago, Illinois

  • As Thai Cuisine – Keller, Texas

  • Asian Fusion Cafe – Dunwoody, Georgia

  • Asian Station – Chicago, Illinois

  • Auntie’s Cafe – Gardena, California

  • Bachan’s Takeout – Monterey Park, California

  • Bacogai – Alameda, California

  • Banh Mi Oi – Boston, Massachusetts

  • Barrel & Bacon – Seattle, Washington

  • Bessou – New York, New York

  • Big Ben’s Pizzeria – Houston, Texas

  • Big Pot and Grill – Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Blood Bros. BBQ – Bellaire, Texas

  • Blue Hawaii Lifestyle – Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Boiling Boys – Palisades Park, New Jersey

  • Bold Dumpling – Annandale, Virginia

  • Bonjour Banh Mi & Tea – Morrisville, North Carolina

  • Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant – Chicago, Illinois

  • Botani Cafe – Brooklyn, New York

  • Cafe Himalaya – New York, New York

  • Càphê Roasters – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Chef Tony – Arcadia, California

  • Chick-n-Beer – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Chili House – Rancho Cucamonga, California

  • China Chef Bistro – Phoenix, Arizona

  • Chinese Delicacy Restaurant – Portland, Oregon

  • Cho Dang House – Fort Lee, New Jersey

  • Choose and Mix Korean Food & Hibachi Grill – Worcester, Massachusetts

  • Clear Lake Market – Clear Lake, Washington

  • Colleen’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop – Medford, Massachusetts

  • Colonial Food Farm Market – Trenton, New Jersey

  • Cowboys & Indians – Houston, Texas

  • Cupcakes, BOOM! – Hilo, Hawaii

  • Dan’s Seafood and Wings – Houston, Texas

  • Dang Boba, Poke & Banh Mi – Peoria, Illinois

  • Dao Thai Restaurant – Chicago, Illinois

  • Dave Wong’s Restaurant & Deli – Stockton, California

  • Dear Bella Creamery – Los Angeles, California

  • Djakarta Cafe – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Drip Collective – Chicago, Illinois

  • El Raval – Austin, Texas

  • Estrellita – Atlanta, Georgia

  • Folk – Detroit, Michigan

  • Free Spirited Lounge – Alhambra, California

  • Fresh Off Da Boat by Chef T – Sacramento, California

  • Game Theory Restaurant – Fort Worth, Texas

  • Gathers Tea Bar – Chicago, Illinois

  • Good Fortune Company – Memphis, Tennessee

  • Good Morning Donuts – Moore, Oklahoma

  • GrindWitTryz – Portland, Oregon

  • Hahm Ji Bach – New York, New York

  • Hainan Chicken House – Chicago, Illinois

  • Handsome Rice – New York, New York

  • Harana Market – Accord, New York

  • Harmony Coffee Bar – Highland Park, Illinois

  • Heirloom Boba – Westbury, New York

  • Herb – Chicago, Illinois

  • Hood Famous Cafe + Bar – Seattle, Washington

  • Humble Cafe – Williston Park, New York

  • Italian Express – Chicago, Illinois

  • J-Shop – Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Jan Parker Cookery – Tacoma, Washington

  • Jang Su – Sacramento, California

  • Joy Noodles and Asian Cuisine – West Palm Beach, Florida

  • Juanita’s Polynesian Delights – Newark, California

  • July Moon Bakery & Café – Alpharetta, Georgia

  • Kaizen Shabu – Santa Ana, California

  • Kameya – Chicago, Illinois

  • Kanaka Kava – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  • Kandahar Grill – Hicksville, New York

  • Kapitan – Chicago, Illinois

  • Kin Khao Thai and Sushi – Valparaiso, Indiana

  • Kingchops Irvine – Irvine, California

  • Koffeteria – Houston, Texas

  • Kokio Chicken and Beer – Oakland Gardens, New York

  • Korai Kitchen – Jersey City, New Jersey

  • Last Call – Springville, Utah

  • Little Palace – Madison, Wisconsin

  • Martabak OK – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Master Shin Korean Plate – San Jose, California

  • Mawn – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Mee Sum Coffee Shop – New York, New York

  • Meet Bowl – Marietta, Georgia

  • Milktopia – San Francisco, California

  • Minahasa – Chicago, Illinois

  • Miso&Nori – Chicago, Illinois

  • Mister Mao – New Orleans, Louisiana

  • MITK Kitchen – Hayward, California

  • Mom’s Bistro – Tacoma, Washington

  • Momo’s Cafe – Washington, District of Columbia

  • Morning Glass Coffee – Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Namaste Cafe – Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Native Fields – Walnut, California

  • Nepali Bhanchha Ghar Restaurant – Jackson Heights, New York

  • New Hong Kong Bakery – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • NG Cafe – Austin, Texas

  • Nhinja Express – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Nom Wah Nolita – New York, New York

  • Nomad – Hillsborough, North Carolina

  • Novel Pizza Cafe – Chicago, Illinois

  • Nudibranch – New York, New York

  • Ocha Tea Cafe & Restaurant – Mountain View, California

  • Oh My Curry – Mesquite, Texas

  • Okonomi Asian Grill – Fairfax, Virginia

  • Oming’s Kitchen – Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Ono Sushi – Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Parachute HiFi – Chicago, Illinois

  • Pasteur Grill & Noodles – New York, New York

  • Pata Paplean – Elmhurst, New York

  • Pho King Rapidos – Denver, Colorado

  • Pho Loan – Chicago, Illinois

  • Pizza Heaven – Fullerton, California

  • Poke by Love Art – Boston, Massachusetts

  • Pokeramen – Port Hueneme, California

  • Q Bakehouse & Market – Ann Arbor, Michigan

  • Qusqo, Los Angeles, California

  • Rabbit House Omakase & Sake Bar – New York, New York

  • Rasoi Indian Kitchen – North Bay Village, Florida

  • Rebecca’s Café – Carson, California

  • Roebling Pizza – Brooklyn, New York

  • Royal Garden + Everest Cafe – Glendale, Wisconsin

  • Sachi Ramen and Robata Bar – Santa Barbara, California

  • Sagaponack – New York, New York

  • Saigon Baguette Vietnamese Sandwich & Pho – Melbourne, Florida

  • Sayuri Sushi Bar – Chicago, Illinois

  • Seoul Soondae – Annandale, Virginia

  • Serai – Chicago, Illinois

  • Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe – Hilo, Hawaii

  • Shuggie’s – San Francisco, California

  • Simply Thalia – Chicago, Illinois

  • Spinzer Restaurant – Chicago, Illinois

  • SquareRoots Kava Lounge – Orem, Utah

  • Star of Siam – Chicago, Illinois

  • SUGOi Sweets – Chicago, Illinois

  • Sum Bar – Greenville, South Carolina

  • Sunday Dreamin’ – New York, New York

  • Sweet Grass Sugarcane Juice – Long Beach, California

  • Sweet Pipers – Pinole, California

  • Takie Outit – Chicago, Illinois

  • Tandoor Char House – Chicago, Illinois

  • Taste of Asia – Alexandria, Virginia

  • Taste of Asia – Asheboro, North Carolina

  • Tasty Doux Bakery – Kent, Washington

  • Tender Green Chinese Kitchen – Vancouver, Washington

  • Teriyaki Plus – Shoreline, Washington

  • Thai Pastry – Chicago, Illinois

  • Thai Zest – Washington, District of Columbia

  • Thailicious – New York, New York

  • The Boba Plug – Garland, Texas

  • The Detour – San Francisco, California

  • The Granola House – Lihue, Hawaii

  • The Oven Pizzeria – Seaside, California

  • Time Bistro – Seattle, Washington

  • Traveler’s Alehouse – Fairhaven, Massachusetts

  • Two Little Dumplings – Selkirk, New York

  • Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha – Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Uncle Mike’s Place – Chicago, Illinois

  • Verandah – Houston, Texas

  • Verzenay Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

  • Waikiki Gangnam Style – Honolulu, Hawaii

  • WHIRED Wine – Sacramento, California

  • White Springs Cafe – Arcadia, California

  • Wo Hop – New York, New York

  • Zabb PuTawn – New York, New York

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About National ACE

National ACE serves as a strong advocate for AAPI business interests, promoting positive change that enhances the goals of AAPI entrepreneurs and leaders. With over 100 affiliate chambers and partnerships nationwide, National ACE champions issues that impact the AAPI business community.

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), and is a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms, and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities.